Stanley Cup Final: Picks for Lightning vs Avalanche Game 5

Kadri NHL

It had to be Kadri. Of course it was Nazem Kadri to pick up the overtime game winner for the Avs in his return from his thumb injury. 18 days off, surgery on his thumb, the ultimate catalyst for Colorado gets them the win after an fantastic Game 4. Yes, there were likely 6 men on the ice for Colorado, but MacKinnon was clearly on his way to the bench, and both teams were getting away with several calls from midway through the 3rd on. The refs were letting both teams play as they should at that time. The Cup is in the house tonight, Colorado looks to eliminate Tampa for the first time in their last 12 playoff series. Gut feeling is the Avs close out the series, but never count out Tampa until the clock strikes 0:00 on that 4th loss. On FanDuel & Caesars for my bets tonight. FanDuel has a No Sweat First Bet offer for new sign ups up to $1,000. So sign up with FanDuel, make your deposit, and there’s no sweat on your first bet up to $1,000. Onto the bets.

Stamkos & MacKinnon Both o3.5 SOG (+235)

This is under the player performance double section on FanDuel, I really like this prop at +235. Over 3.5 SOG is essentially a lock for MacKinnon (please don’t jinx it) but he’s only gone under that total 4 times so far this postseason. Stamkos is the wild card here, some games he puts up 6, some games 1 or 2. I think in an elimination game though you see Tampa’s top players in Kucherov and Stamkos try to lead the way. The Lightning have on 11 straight playoff series, I’ll look for their captain and one of their best players to try and carry the load tonight.

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Anytime Goal Scorers: Palat (+265) & Nichushkin (+250)

Taking a couple of fliers here on anytime goal scorers. Palat I talked about prior to Game 4, but he’s a big game player who has shown up for Tampa when they’ve needed it over and over again in the postseason. He’s been a better goal scorer at home than on the road this postseason, but he’s got a goal in Colorado this series. With their backs up against the wall, similar to Stamkos, look to the core guys to make big impacts tonight for Tampa or go down trying.

Nichushkin at +250 I think is some very good value. His goals tend to come in waves, like an…avalanche…as he’s been up and down at times throughout the postseason, but when motivated he’s got great shot and will get several looks playing top 6 minutes for Colorado and getting Power Play time. He’s got 5 goals in his last 6 games and has been better as they playoffs have gone on.

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Featured Image credit: (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

WRITTEN BY

Matt Rooney

Matt comes from Chicago and has lived in the area his whole life. Graduated from and played football at Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL while also serving as the director of student sports broadcasting. He writes for Betsperts as well as appears on several shows across the network.

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